Sustainability of exercise behavior in seniors: An application of the extended theory of planned behavior

The purpose of this study was to investigate the sustainability of seniors’ exercise behavior by applying the theory of planned behavior (TPB). More specifically, preliminary knowledge was incorporated in the TPB to better comprehend seniors’ exercise behavior and provide practical implications regarding how to encourage older adults to participate in exercise consistently. Convenience sampling was employed to collect data from participants aged 65 and over (N = 229). The results showed that attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control had positive influence on seniors’ exercise intention, which in turn positively affected their exercise behavior. Moreover, perceived behavioral control and exercise intention both positively predicted exercise behavior. Finally, preliminary knowledge had a positive influence on seniors’ attitude but no direct effect on their exercise intention. The results imply that educational activities and training support designed to improve older adults’ attitude toward exercise could contribute to their health and quality of life.